How do you rate?
You can find out with a Ratings service WordPress.com recently rolled out for users of its free blogging platform.
Why bloggers will like this: it’s a quick and easy way for readers to provide feedback on your posts – and what other people are saying about them – even if they don’t want to take the time to leave a comment. It’s also a good way to see which subjects readers like, and which they don’t.
The service is courtesy of PollDaddy, creator of a polling software application WordPress’ parent company Automattic bought in 2008 and subsequently integrated into the blogging platform.
WordPress.com users will see the Ratings service in the left column on the main Dashboard. Click on it to open the Ratings panel, which includes options for adding ratings to your blog posts, pages and readers’ comments.
Use the Advanced Settings feature to have ratings appear above or below a post, set up a 5-star system or a Nero-style thumbs up or thumbs down, and choose options such as colors and placement.
Once you’ve set everything up, track feedback using the Reports feature, which appears under the Ratings link on the main Dashboard.
This WordPress TV demo explains more about how to set up the Ratings application. You’ll find more help for getting started on WordPress’ Ratings Support page.
I’ve already enabled this feature for posts and reader comments. If you like what you see, please let me know.
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This is a great feature – it’s a quick check on what your readers are really enjoying without them having to write a comment or leave any details. Excellent idea. I’ll be enabling this on my blog as soon as I update. Thanks for the tip!